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Class 1 Worksheet: Describing Houses

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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
219 views5 pages

Class 1 Worksheet: Describing Houses

Uploaded by

teacherluely
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Describing Houses and Buildings

Warm up
• What does your house or apartment look like? If you could
change one thing about it, what would it be?
• When was the last time you moved? Was it stressful?
• What would your dream house be?
• Are there any buildings in your city that you think are
particularly ugly or beautiful?
• Do you like skyscrapers? Or do you think they’re ugly?
• What was the house or apartment you grew up in like? Try to describe it in detail.

1. You are going to listen to a conversation that contains the following vocabulary. Match
the vocabulary to the pictures.
mould tiles ceiling carpet roof curtains

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Describing Houses and Buildings
2. Michael is moving out, and his real estate agent is inspecting his apartment to see if he
can get his deposit back. Listen to the audio and answer the questions.
a) Why is Janet in a rush?

b) Why does Michael think he is not responsible for the stains on the carpet?

c) What is Janet’s email address?

d) Why did Michael get new curtains?

e) What are the two things wrong with the bathroom?

f) Why does Janet think the oven and stove will need to be replaced?

g) How did Michael get marks on his ceiling in the kitchen?

h) Do you think Michael will get his deposit back?

3. Read the ads for apartments and match the underlined terms to their definitions on the
next page.

Perfect for young professionals!


Cozy 2 bedroom flat for rent on
Stylish, modern apartment on the
the lower east side, 80 square
12th floor right in the heart of the
meters. Apartment comes fully
city, perfect accommodation for
furnished except for cutlery and young professionals. This
dishes. Apartment has a beautiful apartment is 50 square meters, has
balcony overlooking the city and beautiful wooden floorboards,
comes with a personal basement. elevator access, a dishwasher, and
Carpet may need to be replaced. a gas stove. $700 per month cold.
$580 per month warm. No pets allowed.

Do you like to party??


Large, fun, slightly run-down share house looking for an easy-going, clean, sociable tenant.
Single furnished room with ensuite bathroom. Communal kitchen and bathroom, 7 other
housemates. Must be ok with parties. $250 per month.

Which of these would suit you best, and why?


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Describing Houses and Buildings
a) accommodation 1. Something that is shared.

b) share house 2. Comes with furniture.

c) tenant 3. Electricity, water, and heating are included in the price.

d) warm 4. A place to live or stay.

e) basement 5. A warm and comfortable place.

f) furnished 6. People that live together

g) dishwasher 7. A person who rents the place they live.

h) housemates 8. A machine for cleaning dishes and cutlery

i) communal 9. A room under a house or building, below ground.

j) cozy 10. A house that a group of people rent together.

4. Ask and answer the following questions with a partner.


a) Would describe your house or apartment as cozy? Why or why not?

b) Do you have a dishwasher?

c) Did your house come fully furnished, or did you furnish it yourself?

d) Have you ever had a housemate? What were they like?

e) If you work in an office, do you think your office has nice communal spaces? Can you
describe them?

f) What type of accommodation do you prefer when you go on holiday?

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Describing Houses and Buildings
5. Write an ad for a house or apartment for rent. It could be your own house, a house you
used to live in, or an imaginary house. Try to go into as much detail as possible.
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

6. Pairwork: Good news! You have won a million dollars to design your dream house... bad
news, you have to design it with your partner. Read through the options below and decide
which you would like to take and why. Feel free to suggest other options.
Location
Either a large apartment in the middle of a Or a large house in the middle of nowhere
city of your choice… on the edge of a cliff with a beautiful view
of the ocean.

Style
Either clean, modern, and minimalist. No Or cozy and a little bit quirky. Lots of
clutter, cutting edge home appliances, lots interesting decorations, lots of vintage
of neutral colours… furniture, and lots of warm colours.

Outdoors
Either a cute vegetable and herb garden Or a tiled swimming pool with a fence
which requires a lot of maintenance… around it and a sauna.

Flooring
Either nice thick white carpet in most Or polished wooden floorboards in most
rooms, but tiles in the kitchen and rooms, but tiles in the bathroom.
bathroom…

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Describing Houses and Buildings
7. After a few days Michael calls Janet to discuss his deposit. Listen to the conversation
and answer the questions.
a) How much of his deposit did Michael lose?

b) According to Janet, why is mould removal so expensive?

c) Why can’t Michael prove that his dishwasher was clean?

d) Why did the real estate have to repaint the whole ceiling?

e) Who is Mr Jones going to contact?

f) Who do you agree with in this situation?

8. You are going to play a game where you must describe a word to your class (without
using the word). Your teacher will give you the words. The first person to guess the word
wins a point, and the person describing the word gets a point if someone guesses the
word within 20 seconds.

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Describing Houses and Buildings

Common questions

Powered by AI

Janet indicates mould removal is expensive due to the extensive cleaning or repair required, which could involve professional services. This underscores the necessity for clear rental contract terms regarding property upkeep to protect landlords from unforeseen expenses and to outline tenant responsibilities, ensuring both parties are prepared for preventive maintenance or repairs .

The choice between thick white carpets or polished wooden floorboards reflects lifestyle preferences towards comfort and warmth versus practicality and ease of maintenance. Carpets might appeal to individuals seeking a cozy and warm environment with a touch of luxury, while wooden floorboards can signify a preference for a minimalist, clean, and easily maintainable living space .

Skyscrapers are viewed differently across cultures; they represent economic prosperity and modernity but can also symbolize an encroachment on traditional and personal urban landscapes. Psychological perceptions include feelings of awe versus claustrophobia or alienation. Urban planning thus requires balancing these perceptual factors, integrating public input and cultural sensibilities to ensure skylines reflect communal ethos and architectural heritage, gaining broader public acceptance .

Location significantly affects the quality of life by determining access to amenities, work opportunities, social connections, and natural surroundings. A city apartment may offer vibrant culture and conveniences but come with noise and pollution. In contrast, a house on a cliff offers tranquility and scenic beauty but may require travel for essentials. The choice ultimately depends on individual priorities such as career, family, and personal wellbeing .

Cozy spaces, characterized by warm colors and vintage decor, fulfill psychological needs for comfort, familiarity, and emotional security, often appealing to individuals suffering from stress. Modern, minimalist spaces with neutral colors address the desires for order, calmness, and concentration, appealing to those seeking clarity and efficiency in lifestyle. These design choices cater to differing lifestyle stages and personal inclinations, illustrating the intimate connection between environment and mental health .

Michael's inability to prove his dishwasher was clean may stem from a lack of documentation or contrasting cleanliness standards with the landlord. Preventive measures include detailed move-in and move-out inspections with photographic evidence, clear cleanliness criteria in agreements, and mutual acknowledgments between tenant and landlord, reducing ambiguity and disputes at tenancy end .

Sociability is a central feature of a share house, which is structured to accommodate group living and social interactions. This is emphasized by communal spaces and activities such as parties, fostering a community environment where tenants are expected to interact and manage living arrangements collectively. These shared experiences enhance the social aspect of living and may appeal to individuals seeking connection and minimal living costs .

The ad depicts the ideal tenant as easy-going, clean, and sociable, highlighting essential social dynamics in shared living arrangements; compatibility, cleanliness, and cooperation are crucial for harmonious living. These attributes ensure that shared responsibilities and communal activities are managed amicably, preventing conflicts and fostering a convivial atmosphere essential for sustaining roommate relationships .

The balance between communal and personal spaces in rentals dictates the level of privacy a tenant experiences versus opportunities for communal living. Substantial communal areas foster social interaction, support networks, and shared experiences, crucial for building communities. In contrast, personal spaces are vital for privacy and individual time, ensuring emotional well-being. Effective balance is key to satisfying diverse occupant needs, ensuring harmonious cohabitation while preserving personal autonomy .

Michael believes he is not responsible for the stains on the carpet, indicating a common issue in tenant-landlord relationships where tenants may dispute liability for wear and damage expected against their security deposit. This highlights potential misalignments or tensions in understanding and communication between tenants and landlords regarding maintenance responsibilities .

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